2015 Match Reports

17th May - Jacksons Eagles (round 1)DMS Jersey Flyers’ second fixture of the 2015 Outdoor season was against newcomers to the League, Jacksons Eagles. The Flyers’ batting line-up began this game in good form by going half way around their order and scoring three runs in total. The Eagles, however, found the Flyers’ defence in a miserly mood and they shut-out the Eagles, with only four batters making an appearance at the Plate. The Flyers’ second innings was an improvement on their first and five runs were driven in. Although the Eagles managed more base-hits in their at-bat, they were still unable to pierce the iron cordon of their opponent’s infield, and no runs were scored. The Eagles’ defence then came to the fore in the Flyers’ third innings, as they shut them out for the first time in the game. However, their bats remained cold as the Flyers’ defence continued to keep a firm grip on their opponents’ batters, despatching them for another shut-out of their own. The Flyers’ batting form returned in their fourth innings, with nearly every player in the line-up making an appearance at the Plate, and another six runs were scored. In contrast, the Eagles’ first three batters were out in order, for another scoreless innings. The defensive highlight of this innings for the Flyers was a double-play executed by Left Fielder, James Marshall, and Michelle Thomson at First Base. The fifth and sixth innings saw the Flyers’ batters continue to drive runs in, fifteen in total, going around the order in both. Although the Eagles threatened to score, the Flyers’ defence refused to let the ball pass the infield and executed the necessary plays. The Flyers’ scoring rate fell in their seventh and final innings, although Javier Gomez hit the first Home Run of the game. This achievement, along with his 6 for 6 batting performance, earned him the Flyers’ Player of the Match accolade. As a result, the Eagles went into their seventh innings thirty three runs in arrears. Determined to achieve a rare shut-out, the Flyers maintained their defensive form displayed throughout the game, despatching the Eagles top order without a run scored, and they ran out 33 - 0 winners.

In the field for the Flyers, the First Base/Pitcher combination of Michelle Thomson and Chris Le Lion dominated the infield and accounted for over half of the Eagles “outs” between them. There were good batting performances throughout the whole of the Flyers’ line-up, but debutants Debbie Gray and Sam Logan, both excelled.

24th May - Tigers(round 1)In the first of the day’s matches on
Sunday, the DMS Jersey Flyers took on the re-vamped Tigers in a division 2
clash. Quick to take an early lead in the
first innings, the Flyers worked down their batting order to rack-up the run
count whilst simultaneously shutting out the Tigers to prevent them from
getting on the scoreboard. An impressive 2nd-base hit from Phil
Bouchard allowed 2 runners to cross the home-plate, taking the 1st
innings total to 4.The runs continued to flow in the 2nd
at-bat for the Flyers, with an incredible line-drive straight over 3rd
base from the Flyers new secret weapon, Debbie Gray, which secured her advance
to 2nd base and gave her an RBI.However the Tigers, who were playing
short-handed, launched an attack in the third innings, shutting out the Flyers
by claiming 3 outs for 3 batters and then going on to score 2 runs of their
own. The Flyers were not flustered though,
and re-grouped in the 4th innings,
scoring a further 2 runs thanks a home-run from their ever-reliable captain, Chris
Le Lion. Not to be out-done by the men on the team, Sharon McGrath stepped up
to the plate in the 5th innings to secure herself a home-run too,
sending a beautiful hit right over left-field and into the neighboring cricket
pitch. On the return bat in the 5th, the Tigers tried to follow
Sharons suit, but had not accounted for the Flyers lofty left-fielder, James
Marshall, who took 2 particularly fruity catches in that innings to ensure the
Tigers did not pass home-plate.The Tigers once again shut-out the
Flyers in the 6th innings, but struggled to score any further runs
for themselves due to the Flyers defensive teamwork.In the final at-bat for the Flyers,
James Marshall was helped home from his 2nd-base hit by another
tremendous bat from Phil Bouchard. The Flyers then continued to shut-out the
Tigers with their pitcher, Chris Le Lion, and 1st baseman, Michelle
Thomson working in synchronized harmony to take the final out of the game.As the umpire called ball-game at the
end of the 7th innings, the final score swung in the DMS Jersey
Flyers f﻿﻿﻿avour, 14-2.﻿﻿﻿

31st May - Dominion Niners(inter-divisional)The dms Jersey Flyers met their toughest
opposition this weekend, the Dominion Niners, in a clash of the current
division leaders. Both teams had gone un-defeated in their divisional games so
far this season so the stakes were high for the first of the inter-divisional
game.As the teams took to the diamond, the rolling
fog and misty rain could not deter anyone’s spirits.The Niners were first to bat, scoring just 3
runs in the first innings as the Flyers in-field work tirelessly to halt their
advances. On the return bat, the Flyers took a lead, as 4 runners passed over
the home-plate, 3 of them helped by a home-run from their captain, Chris Le
Lion.In the 2nd and 3rd innings,
the Niners looked to slowly claw back their lead by taking their run-score to 8,
despite two amazing catches from the Flyers short-stop, Javier Gomez.As the Flyers came up to bat at the bottom of
the 3rd though, they finally found their groove and began to find
the gaps in the Niners defence to obtain a further 7 runs. Bolstered by the success of their batting, the
Flyers took to the field to defend their 3-run lead. After only one runner had
successfully passed the home plate, the Niners batters were stopped short by an
incredible double-play, where second baseman Phil Bouchard intelligently
defended a ground-ball, instantly flicking it to short-stop Javier Gomez who
then launched the ball to first base where Michelle Thomson took the final out.In the 5th, the Niners tried to
take back the lead, edging 2 batters over the homeplate. The Flyers responded
with 2 incredible home-runs, one from Phil Bouchard and the other coming from
Candice Parsons, the first in her softballing career. With the score 15-11 in the Flyers favour at
the top of the 6th, the Niners began to charge again, fearing that
defeat was just around the corner. Despite 3 batters finding gaps in the
defences, 2 beautifully-timed catches from the Flyers third baseman, Candice
Parsons, prevented the Niners from taking the lead. On the return-bat the Flyers
returned the favour, taking another 2 runs. The final innings was all that stood between
the Flyers and a win against the long-running champions of division 1, the
Niners. As the rain began to beat down once again, the fuscia-wearing Flyers
walked out onto the field to defend as though their lives depended on it. Despite
some incredible in-field plays, the Niners took 4 runners over the home-plate,
forcing the Flyers back up to bat.After giving everything in the previous
innings, the Flyers tried tirelessly to gain just one more run, but were unable
to get on to the scoreboard. Ball-game was called in the Niners favour with
just 1 run difference, 18-17. All was not lost for the dms Jersey Flyers
though, as keeping the Dominion Niners within 10 runs meant that they still
walked away with a bonus point. In the out-field, Paul Davies and Jackie Davis
both shone, relentlessly chasing the Niners deep hits and providing much needed
support to their team-mates. At the bat, Bruno Sousa showed great promise,
skating across the bases in the almost wintery conditions.Flyers’ Player of the Match was jointly
awarded to Javier Gomez and Candice Parsons, both for their nifty fielding and
precision batting.

7th June 2015 - Corefocus Cubs (round 2) dms Flyers met their closest rivals for the division two title, the Corefocus Cubs, in a closely fought game this weekend. As the diamond was bathed in summer sun, the Flyers took the first bat, securing themselves 2 runs in the first innings. On the return bat, the Cubs were stopped short in their advances after just 1 run by a quick-thinking catch from Sam Logan at Catcher, with cat-like reflexes on a pop-up hit, and an incredible tag play on 3rd base by Chris Le Lion. As the heat began to intensify, both in the air and on the diamond, the dms Flyers pushed forward in the third innings as the Cubs pitcher began to show signs of wavering. The Flyers took 7 ‘walks’ to their respective bases, gaining a further 5 runs to add to their total. The Cubs were unable to follow suit as a catch in Left Centre from James ‘Pineapples’ Marshall and 2 catches from the Flyers Third baseman, Cat Girt, prevented them from passing the home plate. With the score 8-2 at the top of the fourth, the Flyers looked to solidify their lead with a further 2 runs. The Cubs however began to find their groove at their at-bat and started to build up the runs. A beautiful catch from Pitcher, Chris Le Lion, swiftly followed by a throw to First baseman, Michelle Thomson after the runner left early, gave the Flyers 2 quick outs. After they had taken 6 runs out of the Flyers lead, the Cubs were finally halted in their advance by another catch from Third baseman, Cat Girt. It was during the sixth innings that the Flyers really came into their own with their bats, going all the way down the order to secure themselves another 6 runs, including homeruns from Fil Gouveia and Chris Le Lion. The Cubs squeezed just 1 more run out of the Flyers at the bottom of the sixth, giving the Flyers a solid lead of 16-10 going into the seventh and final innings. The Flyers again built on their lead, securing another 4 runs, including a perfect 2-base, right-field hit from Sharon McGrath. Unable to get their own bats working, the Cubs failed to secure any more runs, and the umpire called ball-game to give the dms Flyers the win, 20-10. There were incredible performances all round, with some outstanding communication between the Flyers out-field and the in-field which allowed them to take those extra outs. Both Chris Le Lion and Cat Girt were awarded the dms Flyers Player of the Match. This win truly secures the dms Flyers domination of division two and up-holds their record for going unbeaten in all of their divisional games.

﻿14th June 2015 - Tigers (round 2)With a full team turning out this Sunday to
don their favourite shirt, the dms Jersey Flyers were in high spirits despite
the grey clouds that hung in the air. Their fellow second-division opponents,
Tigers, appeared to have had a successful recruitment drive and were also
bursting at the seams with players.First up to bat were the Tigers, who were
lucky enough to find the Flyers gloves for their first 3 batters to step into
the box. On the return, the fuchsia Flyers started off steady, gaining 3 runs.At the top of the second innings, the
Tigers were once again dispatched 3 in a row by catches from the Flyers
pitcher, Chris Le Lion, their leftie left-fielder, James Marshall, and their
energetic third baseman Candice Parsons.For those 3 outs, the Flyers were rewarded with another 3 runners
passing the home plate.As the Tigers once again looked to pierce
the armour of the Flyers fielding, they were met this time by a swift catch
from their electric catcher, Nikki Gasulla-sole, and some excellent team work
between their pitcher and first baseman, Michelle Thomson.Looking to secure a more comfortable lead,
the Flyers began to tactically base-hit their way all the way down their
batting order, which included 2 homeruns from Chris Le Lion. With their booty now
reaching a total of 17, the Flyers decided to kindly give the Tigers a reprieve
from their epic batting and retired from the innings.During the fourth innings, the Tigers
struggled to move from the batters box once more, with a strike-out and 2
catches cutting their at-bat short. The Flyers edged 4 more runners around the
diamond, including an incredible right-field line-drive from Nikki Gasulla-sole
which forced her team mate, Bruno Sousa, to perform an evasive yet effective
duck-and-run manoeuvre. Finally the Tigers found a gap in the
Flyers fielding and successfully placed runners on base but they were not lucky
enough to advance further than third base. On the contrary, the Flyers loaded
their bases and passed home plate to rack in a further 6 runs, taking their
stupendous swag to 27-0.In the sixth, the Tigers efforts to advance
runners were halted by the Flyers in-field, with another strike out at the
plate and some beautiful throws ensuring the next 2 outs were at first base. On
the return bat, the Flyers gained 4 more runs, including a fourth home-run of
the day from Chris Le Lion.Despite advancing runners to third base
again, the Tigers were still unable to gain that extra base and the final
innings was cut short after the Tigers at-bat, with the dms Jersey Flyers
taking an epic win, 31-0.The Flyers really found their batting
groove during this game, with every player passing over home plate atleast once
during the game. For fielding, the out-field provided important moral support to
the in-field, who were kept busy with catches and force-outs. The dms Jersey Flyers Players of the Match
were Nikki Gasulla-sole and Bruno Sousa for their terrifically telepathic
teamwork during batting.Another clean-sweep win for the dms Jersey
Flyers which solidifies their place at the top of division two.﻿

21st June 2015 - Jacksons Phoenix (Inter-Divisional)Division two leaders, the dms Jersey Flyers, seized their opportunity
this weekend to extend their lead with an astounding win against a division one
team, Jacksons Phoenix.
The Flyers, eager to take the victory from their opponents, batted
first. They worked their way through the batting order to secure themselves 5
runs, which included a home run from newcomer Paul Davies, a first in his
softballing career. On the return bat, Phoenix were quickly stopped short in
their advances, with only 4 batters stepping up to the plate, but none
returning home.
During the second innings, the Flyers tactically base-hit their way
around the diamond, securing 8 runs before Phoenix could even get their first
out. The second followed swiftly, but the Flyers were ignited by this and past
a further 3 runners over the home plate to take their total number of runs to
16. At their second at-bat, the Jacksons Phoenix team were again unable to find
holes in their oppositions un-flappable fielding, with the third and final out
coming from an incredible tag-play by the Flyers second baseman, Phil Bouchard.
At the top of the third innings, the Flyers showed their opponents some
mercy, and allowed them to make 3 outs before any runners passed home-plate.
Feeling generous, they also permitted Phoenix to climb on to the scoreboard,
with one runner advancing home.
During the fourth, Phoenix moved their fielders around to try and gain
an advantage over the Flyers, but they had not accounted for their incredible
ability to tactically and successfully base-hit. The Flyers took 3 runs that
innings, with Phoenix again unable to move any players around the diamond and
over home-plate during their at-bat.
With a run lead of 18 at the top of the fifth innings, the Flyers began
to sense victory and pulled on their high spirits to add more runs to their
haul, with a second home-run of the season from Sharon McGrath. Phoenix
responded with a fast-paced home-run from their first batter, but were then
once more unable to dodge the Flyers fielders.
At the bottom of the fifth, the umpire flipped the Mercy Rule and used
it to call ball-game as the division two Flyers were leading division one
Phoenix by more than 15 runs – an unusual occurrence which the Flyers should be
extremely proud of.
Great teamwork by the Flyers was seen in every inch of the field,
especially between Short-Stop Fil Gouveia and Left-Fielder James Marshall. For
the bats, Sam Loganshowed how dedication and training pays off which some huge
hits. The dms Jersey Flyers Players of the Match were awarded to Paul Davies
and Sharon McGrath for their joint home-runs.

As the Flyers captain, Chris Le Lion, hung the games roster to the fencing on pitch 1, his eager accomplices peered at the line-up to find out where they would need to set up defensive camp. In an unusual twist, the eager team were told they were swapping fielding positions each innings. ‘Not Catcher!’ cried Candice Parsons, ‘I can’t feel my legs! Can someone call my masseur...?!’

Taking to the field first with puzzled glee, the Flyers were excitable as ever, relishing the challenge laid out for them. The first two batters were dispatched immediately by the pitcher, Chris Le Lion, aided by his glamorous assistant Michelle Thomson on first base. The Flyers conceded just one run before the third out was made. As they came up to bat for the first time themselves, the Flyers showed why they are galloping away with the title of division 2 by batting all the way through their order. The threat of a billowing Wonder Woman costume hung over the heads, spurring them on and willing their swings to send the ball further than ever. An incredible homerun from Fil Gouveia also brought 2 of his team mates skipping across the plate, and as the Eagles found the third out, the score stood at 10-1 to the Flyers.

Taking to the field for the second innings, the Flyers allowed just one Eagle to swoop over the plate before all birds of prey were netted and safely caged. It was on the return bat that the Flyers truly began to light up the pitch, hitting bases like they were part of a disco-diva dancefloor. Chris Le Lion set the tone with a homerun, and his obedient minions soon followed the scorch marks he left behind on the diamond. Base-hits were then the order of that round, including a huge hit from Jackie Davies which took her to second base. Having had her fill, she then fancied her chances with the alluring costume and as the order came all the way back around to her, she handed the Eagles their first out of the inning with a strike-out. With superhero greatness now on the sidelines, the Flyers persevered and Phil Bouchard added a second homerun of the innings to his tally. With all the commotion, the teams hadn’t noticed the time and quickly realised that if the game didn’t complete atleast 4 innings, all their hard work would need to be re-scheduled to another day. Thinking on their feet, the next 2 batters threw themselves in the path of danger to ensure the innings was brought to a close.

Searching for some equally quick outs, the Flyers worked in harmony in the third innings to stop the Eagles from pecking away at their lead. The first batter sent the ball soaring, but the Flyers put all their hard training into practise, and Cat Girt threw the ball into the beefy arms of Ian McGee, who then pirouetted to send the ball gracefully all the way to homeplate for James Marshall to tag the runner, preventing them from scoring a homerun. The Eagles were sent back to their nest, having scored no runs. On the return, the Flyers looked to speed up the game and again sacrificed themselves to ensure that the game reached the elusive 4 innings. These selfless acts also saw James Marshall donning the Wonder Woman costume, much to the disapproval of the umpire and spectators.

As that fourth innings rolled around, the Flyers realised they had been so hot off the mark that there was a little spare time to play with. In true camaraderie, they allowed the Eagles to claw in seven runs until the final batters tonked their hits directly into the pitchers glove. Squeezing out those last few runs before no-new innings would be called, the Flyers scored another seven runs for themselves during their bat-bat.

With a lead of 29 runs, the Flyers took to the field for the final time, surrendering another three runs before the very last hit of the game was caught by the Flyers resident Gold Medal winner, Candice Parsons, at first base. Final score 38-12 to the dms Jersey flyers.

Another notable win for the Flyers, with each player embracing their changing fielding positions and showing their versatility. The dms Jersey Flyers Players of the Match were awarded to Phil Bouchard and Jackie Davies for their impressive batting performances.

Eager to take another win over a division one side, the Flyers started strong with a homerun from Fil Gouveia for the first hit of the game. Securing 3 runs in the first innings, the Flyers retired and the Falcons came back with 2 huge homeruns before being stopped in their advances by the left-field duo of James Mashall and Cat Girt.In the second innings, the Flyers went 3-up, 3-down at the plate, the Falcons responded with another run, taking their total to 5.

It seemed like it would be a close game, as the Flyers took to the batters box for the third innings to steal 2 runs and even the score. In the field, first baseman Michelle Thomson took 2 catches on the bounce before the Falcons were sent back to the bench with only 1 more run.

During the fourth innings, Jackie Davies excelled with an incredible 2-base hit, and was then brought home by Bruno Sousa’s incredible swinging tactics. The Flyers then returned the favour of the second innings, and took out the Falcons 3 for 3. Despite some hustling from the Flyers in the fifth innings, they were only able to pass one runner over the homeplate. The Falcons then grouped together and began a resounding assault which saw then bag 6 runs over the Flyers.

Undeterred the Flyers tried to hit back in the sixth but were unsuccessful in their efforts. The Falcons continued to rally and, despite some great fielding in all corners of the diamond, drove home 11 runners to take their total to 22.

Sensing the victory had slipped away from them, the Flyers knew the only task left for them was to bring the division one side of the Falcons to within 10 runs to secure themselves a bonus point. With the score 8-22 going into the seventh innings, the Flyers re-grouped and began successfully base-hitting their way through the ranks until they had gained another 4 runs. Final score 22-12 to the Jacksons Falcons.

Despite losing to the Jacksons Falcons, the dms Jersey Flyers remained consistent and smart throughout the game, working together to close down their opponents. The dms Jersey Flyers Players of the Match were awarded to James Marshall and Cat Girt for their fielding and batting work.

19th July 2015 - Tigers (round 3)The dms Jersey Flyers second game of the day saw them take on the fellow division two team, the Tigers.

After a difficult game previously, the Flyers took a more light-hearted approach and the change in attitude seem to suit them as they rolled all the way through the order during their first at-bat, securing 13 runs before the Tigers secured the third out. The Tigers were then shut-out for their innings, and the game continued in a similar fashion for the remaining innings as the Flyers built on their lead with 3 homeruns from their captain Chris Le Lion and incredible batting averages from Michelle Thomson and Nikki Gassula-Sole. Final score 33-5 to the dms Jersey Flyers.

Two excellent catches from Debbie Gray at catcher and consistently incredible pitching from Fil Gouveia saw them crowned the dms Jersey Flyers Players of the Match.

26th July 2015 - Corefocus Cubs (round 3)A monumental game for the dms Jersey Flyers against Corefocus Cubs saw the Flyers take the victory of division two before the season has even ended. With the wind howling and the rain trying to dampen team spirit, the Flyers took the first bat of the game against their closest rivals for the division two title. Securing just one run, the Flyers knew this would be a close match of wits when the Cubs then drove home 2 runners. Two catches from third baseman Cat Girt and an incredible relay from Bruno Sousa in Right Centre to pitcher Chris Le Lionfor a tag at home plate cut short the Cubs advances. The Flyers steadied themselves for their second at-bat, with huge hits coming from Paul Davies,Fil Gouveia and Sam Logan which aided 2 runners to return home. On the return bat, the first of the Cubs to step up to the plate was struck out by some magical pitching from Chris Le Lion. Things looked promising until the third batter popped a fly-ball up next to second base and the Flyers ever keen short-stop Fil Go﻿uviea threw himself in harm’s way in an incredible effort to secure the catch. Landing awkwardly on his hand, he was immediately chaperoned off the field and bundled off to A&E. The void he left of the pitch was felt instantly as the Flyers mourned the loss of Gouveias school-boy charm. There was no doubt in anyones mind that the only person that could fill his boots was the Flyers resident mister-cool, Javier Gomez. The remainder of the innings whizzed by and the Cubs took another 2 runs, taking their lead to 4. The Flyers re-grouped and began to focus on aiming their hits to the ground and getting themselves on base. In the field, the Flyers were left shaken but not stirred by the departure of Gouviea and began to work together as the team they have grown to be this season. Their determination paid off as the Cubs only slipped by their defence twice more, totalling 6 runs by the end of the seventh innings. With the bats, Nikki Gasulla-Sole had several huge hits into right-field and Bruno Sousa proved that training and hardwork pays off with numerous outfield drives. Spirits lifted with these performances, the Flyers drove home a further 10 runs over the final innings, sealing not only the match victory but also the division title. Final score dms Jersey Flyers 13 – 6 Corefocus Cubs. The dms Jersey Flyers Players of the Match were given to Javier Gomez and Nikki Gasulla-Sole for their stand-out performances at short-stop and catcher.